Human rights activists in Syria say security forces have killed at least 11 people during a sweep south of the capital, Damascus. The activists said troops also arrested at least 250 people during Wednesday's raid in the town of Kanaker.

They say residents threw stones and burned tires to try to stop the advancing troops, who were backed by a bulldozer and army tanks. Witnesses say security forces took away many of those detained in buses after the raid.

The crackdown against anti-government protesters continues despite an international outcry. Rights groups say Syrian forces have killed at least 1,600 civilians during the crackdown during more than four months of mounting protests.

The government has refused to accept blame for the violence, and claims much of the unrest is caused by terrorists and Islamists.

Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.

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